CZAJKA Care Group has become one of the UK’s first care operators to take a proactive stance against workplace stress, by incorporating dedicated training into the induction programmes of all its new employees.

Following the initial success of the pilot scheme, the company now plans to offer the training to its entire team who work at Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton and Beanlands Nursing Home in Glusburn, as well as three nursing homes in Nab Wood near Shipley.

All new starters at Czajka Care Group participate in a minimum four-day induction programme at the firm’s training centre in Saltaire.

The specialist ‘stress buster training course’ is provided by My Wellbeing College, which is part of Bradford District Care Foundation Trust.

It focuses on recognising signs of stress, staying calm and focussed in uncertain situations, and it also looks at how good organisational skills can reduce stressful situations.

Konrad Czajka, managing director of Czajka Care Group, says: “Work-related stress is a major health hazard in any workplace. We work hard to create a relaxed and calm atmosphere throughout our homes but it’s always good to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach to our people’s welfare, which is why we have opened up the training to all of our frontline nursing team, our catering staff, maintenance personnel and management teams.

“It’s fair to say that due to the nature of our work, some stressful and unpredictable events can occur. This training is designed to give our people the skills to remain calm in all types of scenarios and communicate with other members of team if they feel they’re struggling, so they don’t have to deal with challenging situations on their own.

“It’s already having a positive impact across our operations and we’re looking forward to rolling it out across our entire team.”